Lorem As the new ADA coordinator at the Franklin County Board of Elections, Josiah Lanning wants people with disabilities to know that they can have the voting experience they want and need.

“We’re working to build a bridge of communication,” Lanning said. “The Board of Elections could have the best services in the world for individuals with disabilities, but if the people who need them don’t know about them, are they really available?”

No matter a person’s disability, Franklin County can provide a secure voting experience via absentee, early or Election Day voting, he said. Accessible voting equipment is available at all precincts. Staff members can assist, or voters may bring a helper if they cannot mark their ballot.

Lanning and others recently hosted an open house to answer questions and offer interactive voting demonstrations. Accessible voting machines feature audio ballots, Braille and tactile lettering, large print, high contrast and more. ASL interpreters are available at some locations.

“Today, many people have learned that through the accommodations available on our voting machines, they can have the same voting experience as anyone else,” Lanning said during the open house. “We want them to know that equal access in the electoral process is a priority in Franklin County.”

Terry Blosser is deaf-blind and generally has voted absentee, both in Ohio and Oregon. “I trusted my wife to mark what I wanted, even though we don’t necessarily agree on everything,” he said.

Now, after learning more about the equipment available in Ohio, Blosser is happy to have options for both absentee and in-person voting. “It’s opening my eyes – no pun intended,” he said with a smile. “Yes, it is.”

To learn more about accessible voting or to register to vote by the October 7 deadline, visit:

https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/voters-with-disabilities/election-day-voting

For the ADA coordination at the Franklin County Board of Elections, email [email protected] or call 614-525-4092.